"Why Can't Iron Heart Make More Stuff"
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A question/comment was asked/raised on the Iron Heart Denim Underground Facebook page a couple of days ago. I did answer there, but I know some of you don't do Social Media, so I thought useful to it post here to.
Here is the original post:
I’m not sure what’s going on with IH these days, just not too impressed with the new releases.
Patiently waiting for the classics to come back. Jeans and Jean jackets!My reply:
The fact that we have low/zero stock in a lot of our staples is because demand is way higher than our ability to produce. Making heavyweight stuff to the quality we demand is extremely difficult. We can't just turn up the make-more dial, we can't just go to another mill or workshop, if we could we would. We are desperately trying to increase production, because having low stock of core products is not a good look for us, and is frankly embarrassing. The reason that you are seeing stuff being released that is a little removed from our core items, our heritage if you like, is because to actually have anything in stock, we are having to experiment with new products and new fabrics, the production of which does not impact the production of our core items and does not stress the workshops that make them so much that they break. FW26, will see no new jeans released (I say jeans, because there will be a lot of non-jeans bottoms in new and interesting fabrics). This is because our jeans workshops are maxed out and in actuality verging on breaking point. Had we not so successfully created demand, this would not be a problem, and had we foreseen the consequences, we may have dialled back our efforts to create this demand. I say "may" because that is a really hard thing to do, and in all honesty, we did not realise the severity of the monster we had created, until it bit us in the arse.
One final thought, not everything me make is liked by everyone, how could it be? But we do sell out of virtually everything we make. Yeah, we have some flops, but we would far rather have the occasional flop, than not bother trying. -
Interesting read. We live in a time where it's becoming increasingly difficult for some to be patient and I've been guilty of that myself before understanding the mechanics of this heritage clothing world in Japan.
I guess within this space, Iron Heart occupies a further production niche due to type of fabrics being made and the skills needed to assemble those. The very nature of the old looms (and a quality that's appreciated by some) is a sense of slowness, but that doesn't always gel with modern consumer patterns and demand.
Honestly one of the big things that has pulled me into the Iron Heart rabbit hole is the diversity of what you guys offer. My first purchase was a UHF and some duck shorts quickly followed. I got lucky visiting Hachioji this year to have access to core denims (and also picked up the incredible loopwheel t shirts which have spoiled me for other tees) but I am eagerly anticipating what non-denim items will be available for FW26, including the ever popular N1's. The seasonal offerings have become a big component of what is truly exciting to me about IH
I appreciate everything you guys are doing to get these beautiful pieces out to the world! Please keep up the good work and transparency
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@phoenixinflight Agreed - the diversity is staggering. Was reflecting the other day, perhaps only IH and the Real McCoys have such a wide line up. I love both.
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I've trouble understanding why people have trouble understanding clothing like that cannot be produced like fast fashion.
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Oh yes, we are…
I, too, find the buying experience sometimes stressful, even though I understand the reasons behind the limited production.
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I just appreciate the openness and honesty. That is refreshing nowadays.
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The irony of wanting unique items produced in a unique way then crying when the company doesn't operate in the exact same way as every fast fashion brand.
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@Denimhead-0 said in "Why Can't Iron Heart Make More Stuff":
My wife thinks you make too much stuff
Hahahaha yeah mine too
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In a world of fast fashion, Iron Heart (and similar brands) stand apart. Of course they’re in high demand, and sometimes hard to get. IMHO that’s part of the appeal. Is it disappointing to miss out … yes. It would be more disappointing if IH became ubiquitous and available at every mall or shop throughout the world.
Small production runs, limited availability, high quality, and superior customer service is why I continue to come back time and again. Can’t wait for the Spring Summer shirts and bakers to start dropping
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The wait adds to it I think and makes it feel more special when you do get it.
Scouring over every picture and video you can find while you wait for a new drop of something.
